“I am you, you are me, now you do know | You are me, I am you, now do you know | We are one body and we are gonna clash| We are you, we are me—this, do you know?”
— SUGA, Interlude: Shadow from Map of the Soul 7
Wearing a Hanbok and strolling in the palace grounds of Gyeongbokgung Palace is a staple when you’re visiting Seoul for a vacation or tour. We did just that! Thanks to Savedbythebest Travel and Tours for this chance to play and wonder. As Kdrama fans, not just ARMY, cosplaying as Jeoson women is a fantasy fulfilled.
Wearing a hanbok in summer in Seoul, can be excruciating though. But there we were, ARMY Daughter living her Joseon baddie dream and me, ramdam na ramdam ang pagiging ahjumma.
When was the last time we played or had fun together like this? What stands out are memories of battles we fought and won, as well as the ones we gloriously lost. One thing is for sure, she and I, we will be together in more fights in the future.
This is why, I left Seoul with more questions than answers. And it’s ok because life is continuous journey of wondering where introspection and reflection are part and parcel of being. I do not know when these questions will get answers, but I dare ask.
What does it mean to grow beside someone you love; someone who grew inside of you and is now growing up and out unto the world? In Seoul, I saw in her a quiet becoming and the sassy way she deals with cards is impressive. I have a lot to learn. Where does she end and I begin? Or do we move like a mobius strip?No end. No beginning. As I age, our roles overlap now. I see our differences and in it, our shared longing to understand the world and each other.She has become my friend. And I, her ally. I pray to be the good friend and honest ally she truly deserves.
What part of myself is she walking towards and away from?My eternal optimism? The uncanny way I put my trust in the universe? Whatever shadow of mine she carries, may she do it with grace and gratitude because, the darkness can be kind, too.
To my ARMY Daughter, my dragon child, may you walk boldly in both light and shadow knowing I will always be just a few steps behind, cheering, learning, and loving you through it all.
Apobangpo! Purple and true!
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